July 23, 2014—Ford Motor says the 2015 F-150 will be at least 700 pounds lighter than that of the previous model year because of the use of military-grade aluminum alloy in the body and the cargo box, as well as the use of high-strength steel.

July 21, 2014—Proctor & Gamble and Whirlpool created a partnership to build an appliance that the companies say can reduce a consumer’s ironing and steaming needs and has the potential to cut your dry-cleaning expenses in half.

July 21, 2014—The Kidizoom Smartwatch ($60), which has a 1.4-inch color touch screen, can be connected to a home computer via a micro USB cable to charge the watch’s battery or to upload images, videos or voice recordings.

July 8, 2014—The manufacturer of a defective vacuum cleaner agreed to pay a $725,000 civil penalty to settle charges by Consumer Product Safety Commission that it knowingly failed to report a defect in the product’s electrical wiring.

July 25, 2014—Consumers who purchase subsidized health insurance through markets that are run by the federal government likely have no reason to worry about a federal courts clash that challenges the legality of such subsidies, three independent health-insurance experts tell Consumers Digest.

March 27, 2014—Federal Trade Commission proposed changes to its Fuel Rating Rule today that recognizes a new octane-rating method and revises requirements for blends of gasoline that have more than 10 percent ethanol.

July 25, 2014—Consumers who purchase subsidized health insurance through markets that are run by the federal government likely have no reason to worry about a federal courts clash that challenges the legality of such subsidies, three independent health-insurance experts tell Consumers Digest.

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Husqvarna

The line from a superhero movie, “with great power comes great responsibility” also can apply to today’s hand-held yard-care equipment. The emergence of lithium-ion batteries since 2009 gives cordless models a great new power option. Of course, the responsibility of getting your yard chores done still is up to you.

Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries still can be found in economy string trimmers and hedge trimmers. But the majority of your choices when it comes to cordless yard-care machines are powered by lithium-ion batteries.

Further, manufacturers have tweaked their equipment regardless of power to make their products easier to use than they were 3 years ago. As a result, you’ll be able to take care of your yard responsibilities more efficiently with less fatigue.

POWER PLAY. Models that have lithium-ion batteries have arrived on the home yard-care scene in a big way. For instance, at least 15 lithium-ion-powered hedge trimmers are on the consumer market, compared with just three NiCd models. Among string trimmers, at least 12 use lithium-ion batteries, compared with six that are powered by NiCd batteries—half of which are nearly extinct 12-volt versions. You can expect that trend to continue: One manufacturer, Stihl, tells us that NiCd batteries are on their way out of yard-care equipment.

The move to lithium-ion batteries means that you no longer have to race the clock to finish that last bit of trimming when the battery starts to drain. Lithium-ion batteries retain full power until they have to be recharged.

Best Buys in Yard-Care Equipment

You’ll get a break on the weight, too. Yard-care machines that use lithium-ion batteries weigh less than do those that are NiCd- or gasoline-powered. (A few even are lighter than corded models are.) For example, 3 years ago, a 36-volt NiCd-powered string trimmer weighed 12 pounds. Today, a 36-volt lithium-ion model weighs 7.8 pounds. That translates into a lighter machine that’s easier to guide.

Lithium-ion-powered string trimmers now start at $119 for an 18-volt model, which is the minimum voltage for a lithium-ion battery. That’s about $20–$40 more expensive than comparable NiCd-powered tools cost. Three years ago, an 18-volt NiCd string trimmer cost about $100.

Although the cost of lithium-ion battery packs and chargers is expected to continue to drop, manufacturers tell Consumers Digest that the trend won’t be reflected in the prices that you will see for yard-care products. Instead, in the next 2 years, you’re more likely to see more models that have more power for the same price, they say.

Propane Doesn’t Cut It for Residential Trimmers

We’ve noticed voltage inching upward already: Five string trimmers have 20-volt lithium-ion batteries; two each have 24-volt and 36-volt batteries. And at least one 40-volt lithium-ion model now exists: GreenWorks was set to introduce this spring the 21132A ($200).

But when it comes to supplying maximum power for tasks such as trimming thick grass or cutting through tough brush, lithium-ion power still trails gasoline power, and we expect that to continue for years to come. Gasoline-powered models also have a longer run time. For example, a typical lithium-ion string trimmer will run for about 15 minutes before it requires a recharge; a gasoline string trimmer typically has a gas tank that holds enough gasoline to run twice that long. And refueling, of course, takes only a few minutes for a gasoline-powered string timmer, compared with at least 60 minutes even for lithium-ion-powered models that have quick-charge capability.

COMFORT ZONE. Meanwhile, manufacturers have tweaked the positioning and the length of the handles of their trimmers. We found that these tweaks make the models more comfortable to hold and thus less fatiguing to operate. What’s best of all, these innovations come without any increase in price.

For example, you’ll find more string trimmers that have telescoping (adjustable-length) shafts, so you won’t have to bend over as much as you work. At least 10 models have this feature, which is up from a single model that we noted 3 years ago. Models that have this feature start at about $40, compared with $100 in 2009.